There are many locations around the United States that offer some relaxing and adventurous retreats. When you are looking for the best places to go during your next vacation or getaway, here are the top 10 travel destinations for 2012.

1.) U.S. Virgin Islands.

When you are looking for a tropical getaway that wont break your budget, check out the U.S. Virgin Islands. With white, sandy beaches and temperatures always around 80 degrees, the Islands provide you with secluded beaches and a national park with lush vegetation and cabins for guests. Check out the Captain Morgan Rum Distillery on the island of St. Croix, opening in the Spring of 2012.

2.) California Gold Country.

If you enjoy history and want to visit one of the most famous historical sites in the United States, check out the Gold Country in the foothills of Central California. Located just an hour west of the California/Nevada border, the Gold Country became the place to be in the middle of the 1800′s for gold seekers. The towns in the Gold Country provide great examples of 19th Century living conditions and you can find numerous antiques in the shops throughout the area.

3.) Yellowstone National Park.

Celebrate the 140th anniversary of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Yellowstone was the first National Park in the United States and still maintains budget concious rates in its cabins and lodges. With spectacular scenery including grand waterfalls, geysers and boiling rivers, Yellowstone is also a great location for sports activities like hiking trails and cross-country skiing.

4.) Virginia.

Promoted by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Virginia is being touted as a great place for wine lovers to visit during 2012. Set among picturesque landscapes, Virginia is the premier wine location on the East Coast as the fifth largest wine producer in the United States.

5.) San Diego.

San Diego, California provides miles of great Pacific coastline for surfing as well as sun-bathing. The San Diego area is also home to a number of family-friendly locations such as Legoland, SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo and old town San Diego. San Diego is also just an hour south of Los Angeles.

6.) San Antonio.

Not only is San Antonio, Texas the home of the Alamo, but the city has also redeveloped the center of town with its famous Riverwalk. The River Improvements Project added eight miles of biking and hiking trails as well as a number of shops and restaurants along the Riverwalk. It has become a very popular family area in the southern part of Texas.

7.) The Big Island, Hawaii.

Hawaii has always been a great travel destination, especially during the winter season. The island is filled with tropical vegatation and picturesque landscapes as well as a number of Forest Reserves and Volcanic Parks.

8.) Four Corners Region.

Travel to the Four Corners Region of the American Southwest where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet. The Four Corners area features amazing landscapes and recreational areas.

9.) Chicago.

Known for its museums and artistic community, Chicago is a great location for sightseeing. It also includes famous locations like Wrigley Field and Sears Tower, as well as a number of great Chicago style restaurants.

10.) Boulder, Colorado

When you are looking for a place that is filled with recreational activity, check out the area around Boulder, Colorado. Boulder is home to not only great ski locations and winter recreation, but also hiking trails and fantastic lodging and restaurants.